5 Teens Arrested After Melee At Buckland Hills Mall In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — Police arrested five out-of-town teens after a series of disturbances broke out at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills shopping mall in Manchester on Saturday.

Police initially descended on the mall at 6:17 p.m. after receiving a report that "a high number of unaccompanied juveniles" had gathered inside the building, according to a report.

Sixteen minutes later, an altercation broke out near the south side of the mall across from the food court, according to a report. A Manchester police detective was detaining a 17-year-old boy and was punched by the teen and the teen fled the mall, according to a report. A 13-year-old girl then jumped into the mix and had to be pepper sprayed, according to a report.

Officers from nearby towns were called in to assist. Vernon was one town that sent several officers, a department spokesman said.

The 17-year-old who punched the cop was located with a pair of 16-year-old boys hiding near the Market Grille restaurant, according to a report. Another 17-year-old who refused to stop for officers was also taken into custody, according to a report.

Those charged were:

• A 17-year-old male from Hartford for second-degree breach of peace, assaulting an officer and interfering with police
• A 16-year-old male from Hartford for second-degree breach of peace and interfering
• A 16-year-old male from West Hartford for second-degree breach of peace and interfering
• A 17-year-old male from Hartford for interfering
• A 13-year-old female from Hartford for second-degree breach of peace and interfering

The girl was taken to Manchester Memorial Hospital after being hit with the pepper spray, according to a report. The teens were all eventually released to the care of a parent of guardian, according to a report.

The scene was cleared at 7:25 p.m., according to a report.

Manchester police are still investigating the matter and any witnesses can call them at 860-645-5500.

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